Designed by the accomplished team of Frank Butler and Gerry Douglas, this compact 18-footer represents Catalina Yachts' entry into the small sailboat market during the mid-1980s. Built with fiberglass construction and featuring a distinctive wing keel design, the Capri 18 offers sailors an accessible platform for learning and recreational sailing. The boat's fractional sloop rig and modest sail area of 155 square feet make it manageable for novice sailors while still providing enough power for enjoyable sailing in light to moderate conditions. With a beam of 7.58 feet and displacement of 1,500 pounds, the design strikes a practical balance between stability and performance. The wing keel configuration reduces draft to just 2.33 feet, allowing access to shallow waters and simplified launching from trailers. This sailboat excels as a day sailor and weekend cruiser for protected waters, lakes, and calm coastal areas. The comfortable cockpit accommodates small crews, making it ideal for sailing instruction or family outings. While not intended for serious offshore work, the Capri 18's forgiving handling characteristics and Catalina's reputation for quality construction have made it a popular choice among sailing schools and recreational sailors seeking an affordable, reliable small boat that delivers genuine sailing satisfaction.
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What is the Capri 18 Catalina's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Capri 18 Catalina has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 18.97. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Capri 18 Catalina's comfort ratio?
The Capri 18 Catalina has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 9.27. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Capri 18 Catalina safe for offshore sailing?
The Capri 18 Catalina has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 2.65. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Capri 18 Catalina?
The theoretical hull speed of the Capri 18 Catalina is 5.41 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Capri 18 Catalina weigh?
The Capri 18 Catalina has a displacement of 1,500.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 18.00 ft.
Who designed the Capri 18 Catalina?
The Capri 18 Catalina was designed by Frank Butler/Gerry Douglas, first built in 1985.